Acne Treatments

– A significant majority of the population will develop at least one pimple, zit or blemish somewhere on their bodies over the courses of their lives. Mild to moderate cases of acne and occasional blemishes can be often addressed with over-the-counter skin care products. Natural personal care brands now offer a wide variety of options to help you improve the health of your skin using botanicals, minerals and other natural elements. read more about acne treatments » | resource library for skin care »

Comparing Natural and Organic Acne Care Products

As you begin to compare the acne care products available from natural brands, you will find products that are labeled as "organic" and products that are simply "natural." A natural acne treatment is any product that has naturally derived ingredients for addressing blemishes in its formula. An organic acne treatment is one that contains naturally derived ingredients that have had minimal or no exposure to chemicals and chemical processes during their growth and processing. Organic products must be evaluated and certified by a third-party agency, and there are over 90 groups worldwide that certify organic products. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is one of the major certifiers of organic formulas and gives organic status to products that feature at least 95% natural ingredients that were never exposed to chemicals or manipulated through genetic modifications or irradiation.

A Natural Approach to Managing Acne

Natural acne treatments can be useful for anyone who wants to accelerate the healing of existing blemishes and decrease the frequency with which breakouts occur. For some people, natural skin care products may be preferable to other acne treatment solutions on the market. You might prefer to choose a natural product to further your commitment to using fewer chemicals or to green your household and your life. Natural formulas may also be beneficial to you if you have struggled with irritation from acne products in the past. Often, individuals with sensitive skin experience reactions due to synthetic ingredients, which are often found in smaller quantities in natural products.

Does Tea Tree Oil Help Acne?

While it is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of acne, tea tree oil is often used as a natural alternative to popular anti-acne ingredients like benzoyl peroxide. Because of its natural antibacterial properties, some smaller studies have shown positive results for acne sufferers. However, more large-scale studies are needed to confirm its benefits. Some people find that they can use tea tree oil without the irritation and dryness associated with more traditional acne treatments.

Spot Treatments for Addressing Existing Blemishes

Natural and organic spot treatments are products that use natural ingredients to help speed the healing of breakouts. These products are applied only to the area of existing blemishes. They may contain natural antibacterial ingredients to address infections in the pores, or they may contain oil-controlling botanicals to help loosen clogs. Some products also feature ingredients that help to reduce redness to make acne blemishes less prominent as they heal.

Solutions for Promoting Clearer Skin

If you suffer from stubborn breakouts, spot treatments alone may not be sufficient for managing your dermatological concerns. Acne cleansers and cleansing pads, acne lotions and acne creams are products that are applied to the entire complexion to help promote clearer skin. These formulas may help to keep the pores free of blockages by exfoliating the skin, refining the pores and balancing oil production. With regular use, they can lead to less frequent breakouts. Under the supervision of a dermatologist, you can use all-over acne treatments along with spot treatments as directed.

*The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that you apply a small amount of any over the counter acne medication to one or two small affected areas for 3 days when using it for the first time. This will help you to make sure you don’t exhibit any hypersensitivity symptoms before using the product more broadly. If no discomfort occurs, be sure to follow the directions on the label and review the Drug Facts.